Valerie Harper says she has terminal cancer

Valerie Harper, who played Rhoda Morgenstern on television's “
Mary Tyler Moore” show and its spinoff, “Rhoda,” has been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

People magazine reported on its website Wednesday that the 73-year-old actress received the news Jan. 15. Tests revealed she has leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, a rare condition that occurs when cancer cells spread into the fluid-filled membrane surrounding the brain. The report says Harper's doctors have said she has as little as three months to live.

“I don't think of dying,” Harper told the magazine in a cover interview. “I think of being here now.”

Harper's character, Rhoda, was one of television's most beloved characters during the 1970s, and the tart-tongued, self-deprecating Rhoda made Harper a star. She won three consecutive Emmys (1971-73) as supporting actress on “Mary” plus another for outstanding lead actress for “Rhoda,” which ran 1974-78.

Harper began in show business as a dancer in Broadway musicals, and worked in summer stock and with the Second City improv group.

Director says no to next Bond film

Never say never again?
Sam Mendes says he won't be directing the next James Bond film – but may work on the series again in the future.

Mendes has been praised for his work on “Skyfall,” the first Bond film to rake in more than $1 billion in revenue.

But Mendes says he has made the “very difficult decision” to focus on other projects “that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond.” They include upcoming London stage productions of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “King Lear.”

Mendes worked in theater before turning to film. He won an Academy Award in 2000 for “American Beauty.”

“Skyfall,” which stars
Daniel Craig,
Javier Bardem and
Judi Dench, won two Oscars last month, including one for
Adele's theme song.

Man ordered away from actress

A judge has ordered a New Hampshire man to refrain from posting anything online about
Alyson Hannigan or to try to meet the actress.